Interview With Rockwell Scott

My name is Rockwell Scott and I’m a writer of supernatural horror fiction. When not writing or reading, I’ll be cooking, out having a few drinks with friends, in the gym or traveling.

CHHR: When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?

I’ve been a writer my entire life. I read a lot when I was young, and I remember thinking, “I could totally do this.” From there, I began to write the stories that I wanted to read.

CHHR: What does your writing schedule look like?

I’ll wake up early before the day’s distractions start to roll in, have some coffee, and then write for one hour with a timer.

CHHR: Do you have any interesting writing rituals? If so, what are they?

I’ll often meditate or visualize before I write. I do this to relax, get into the zone, and ponder the scene I’m about to tackle. I’ve also been experimenting with listening to binaural beats while I write, choosing a wavelength that is meant to increase focus and concentration.

CHHR: Do you like writing short stories or novels?

Novels, definitely. I like how the longer form allows for more complete stories and a larger cast of interesting characters.

CHHR: How is the horror scene where you live?

Interesting question. I currently live in the United Arab Emirates. The jinn are supernatural creatures in Arabic mythology and Islamic theology, roughly equivalent to demons in the west. The local culture tends to take them very seriously, so you don’t often find them as subject matter in fiction. Also, since there is a heavy belief in the afterlife here, ghosts are not often discussed. Locally produced horror films and stories tend to feature home invasion/slasher themes, since these situations are more grounded in reality.

CHHR: Do you use outlines or do you go with the flow?

Outlines, for sure. I used to go with the flow, but that left me with too many problems around the middle and ending of the story. So I learned how to outline and I have never looked back since.

CHHR: How did publishing your first book or short story change your writing process?

Publishing my first book showed me that it was possible to accomplish a goal. It also lit a fire under me and inspired me to write faster to get the next one out.

CHHR: What do you think makes a good horror story?

The characters. Even if the plot or monster isn’t wholly original, it won’t matter if the characters are engaging.

CHHR: What are you currently working on?

I am currently putting the finishing touches on my second book, A Haunting in Rose Grove. It will be released in a week or two. I am also editing my third book, which features a character that’s a college professor by day, demonologist by night. And he’s about to tackle his toughest case yet.

CHHR: What is in your TBR pile?

The Outsider by King and Einstein: His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson. I enjoy some variety in my life.

CHHR: What is the last book that scared you?

Beware the Night by Ralph Sarchie. Nonfiction books on subjects typically covered in fiction are always especially scary to me.

CHHR: What is your favorite horror book?

Night of the Living Dummy by R.L. Stine. Yes, that’s one of those Goosebumps books from way back in the day. I first read this when I was a kid, and it was the first time a book truly terrified me.

CHHR: What is your favorite horror film?

The Orphanage. In my opinion, that film hits all the sweet spots for me.

CHHR: What type of music do you listen to? What’s your favorite album?

Hard and alternative rock, country, bluegrass, electronic, and rap. Again with the variety. Picking a favorite album is an impossible choice, but The Offspring’s Smash was there for me during a key time in my life.

CHHR: What is your spirit animal?

Sea Otter. Everything they do is perfect.

CHHR: What is your favorite beer?

Ah, now the interview has truly started. I like Abita Amber, a beer from Louisiana, where I’m from. Lately I’ve been enjoying Baltika, which I found at my local bottle shop. They’re sold out most of the time, so I think the secret’s out.

CHHR: If you could have a beer with one author, who would it be?

Carlos Ruiz Zafon. Incredible writer, incredible stories. I urge everyone to check him out. My goal is to one day reread his books in their original Spanish versions.